How to make perfect chicken rolls: Juicy and flavourful every time

My mother-in-law criticized my chicken rolls. She said the meat was too dry, the dish was too diet-friendly, and the sauce lacked. I didn’t give up. The next time, I made the rolls differently and pleased her. She asked twice if it was truly poultry.

Chicken is the most popular type of poultry. We often choose fillets, as they are the quickest option for dinner. Thigh meat, which has a more distinctive flavour, is in second place. However, whenever we prepare poultry, there is always the concern that it will turn out too dry. It’s known to be lean meat and quickly loses moisture during cooking.

Poultry meat is an excellent source of complete protein and contains plenty of vitamins. It is easily digestible and healthy. What can be criticized? Perhaps only that it quickly becomes too dry, especially when traditionally prepared. Rolls are a great way to avoid this. The stuffing helps the meat absorb moisture; the rolls can be wrapped in bacon slices.

Chicken rolls wrapped in bacon are a very simple dish to prepare. In this version, the chicken has a stronger flavour, and the smoked touch adds flair. Of course, the layer of bacon helps retain moisture in the poultry. It acts like a tight coating. That’s why my mother-in-law admitted she had never eaten such juicy chicken. Additional bonuses? Perfectly melted cheese and crispy bacon. The rolls can be served with potatoes or rice as a main dish. They also work well for dinner when paired with bread or a salad.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of chicken meat, from thighs or breasts
• 8 slices of raw smoked bacon
• 8 slices of gouda or cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika, garlic (optional)
• Parsley or rosemary (optional)

Preparation Method:

1. Pound the chicken cutlets with a meat tenderizer. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and rub them with garlic and herbs. Set aside to marinate.
2. Lay the bacon slices on the kitchen counter and place the seasoned chicken pieces on them.
3. Put a folded cheese slice on each meat piece, then roll up tightly. The bacon must surround the chicken. To prevent the rolls from falling apart during baking, use toothpicks.
4. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Arrange sprigs of fresh herbs around them.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes.